1
as in undermines
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality
refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dampens
to make or become slightly or moderately wet
damp the shirt slightly before ironing it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reduces
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
nothing seemed to damp the unwelcome attentions of her suitor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of damps
While the standard model damps the road irregularities, the S feels more glued down, even in its softest setting, Sport.
—
Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026
Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damps
Verb
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The lower court’s decisions invalidated a policy of prime importance to the President and his Administration in a manner that undermines our border security.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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The defense secretary is upending decades-old norms, current and former leaders say, with some cautioning that his proselytizing violates the Constitution and undermines troop cohesion.—
Michelle Boorstein,
Washington Post,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Light watering that only dampens the top layer of grass encourages weak root systems.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
22 Feb. 2026
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Recession risk dampens the confidence for big purchases, even if mortgage math improves.—
John Walkup,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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By banning advertising by legal operators during live sporting events and sharply limiting promotions, the proposal drastically reduces the visibility of the regulated market.—
Cláudia Nunes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
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Technologies such as Revo-Su, which significantly reduces water consumption, and B210, which enables biodegradability in stretch fabrics, are direct outcomes of this focus.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the state’s view, that weakens or muddies the legal boundary between the two types of gambling venues.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Justice delayed weakens deterrence.—
Romy Ellenbogen,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Dermatologists created this moisturizing lotion, which moistens your tattoo and creates a protective skin barrier.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
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Buttermilk makes this cake tender while adding vegetable oil moistens the cake.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As the oil blockade quickly exhausts Cuba’s supply of fuel, triggering a series of lengthy, island-wide blackouts, many here are exhausted and are becoming increasingly vocal about their desire for fundamental changes in Cuba.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
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Board member Nicole Gribstad also urged the committee to include an option that delays such a decision and exhausts all other financial alternatives before closing schools.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Even a simple soaker hose is better than a sprinkler system that wets the foliage, which can make plants prone to blights and mildews.—
Marie Iannotti,
The Spruce,
3 Mar. 2026
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Sweat that can’t escape wets a jacket’s layer of insulation and accelerates heat loss.—
Longji Cui,
The Conversation,
26 Dec. 2025
Verb
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After months of cold weather, your windows are likely coated with a layer of grime that dulls your view and makes even the brightest day feel a little gray.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
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The blade is made of 440A stainless steel, which is reasonably durable for lighter use, but dulls relatively fast and is softer overall.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Damps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damps. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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